The Best Miter Saws for Homeowners & Professionals
Since the 1960’s, miter saw technology has made leaps and bounds in performance and quality.
It is an essential tool for any significant carpentry job, around the house or on the jobsite, and that is why we bring this article to you today.
Fitting two boards together is called “mitering”, and that is one of the primary functions of this amazing tool. The ability to quickly and safely cut boards into various angles with precision accuracy is what makes a miter saw so valuable.
Whether you’re replacing facia and gutters, putting crown molding in your living room, or building a clubhouse for your little ones, the miter saw will be a part of all of it.
The sliding compound miter saw is the one stop chop shop, it offers just about every angle you would need to cut and the sliding function allows for hacking through large lumber.
We have blades made for cutting metal now as well. So, for instance, after you slide your boards through to cut your facia, you can replace the blade and cut your gutters on the same saw.
This power tool is absolutely instrumental on today’s job site and if you engage in building or home improvement, it should be a part of your repertoire as well.
So, now that we have been introduced to this essential tool, let’s answer some common questions and take a look at some considerations before you decide on which one is The Best Miter Saw for you.
Are Miter Saws Worth It?
If you are in the construction industry or have a fully functioning woodshop, the miter saw is an invaluable tool. Homeowners who choose to DIY home projects will also find that the miter saw can be your best friend, from the smallest to the biggest of jobs.
Like any tool, you get what you pay for, and you can spend anywhere from $150 to $1500 on a miter saw. I still have a Chicago Electric brand miter saw that I bought from a guy for $50. It has worked fine for me for years and I still use it for quick projects.
However, I have never put that saw to any real test of any project that needed precision and accuracy, for what it’s worth.
Cheaper quality miter saws are probably, at least over time, going be slightly inaccurate and a bit loose and wobbly in some of its components. Again, if your a homeowner and your biggest job is building saw horses, this may never matter to you.
If you are a contractor/carpenter or a professional woodworker, it would be in your best interest to pay more of a hefty price to produce high-quality results for the long term in a profession where the machine will pay for itself within a job or two potentially.
Large jobs, like building homes or professional woodworking, require a lot of repetitive use and deliver quite a beating to a miter saw and you’re wise in this case to invest in a stout and durable machine.
What Are Miter Saws Used For?
Aside from making basic straight crosscuts on various sized lumber/metal, the miter saw is used to make angled cuts across the face of a board, “mitering” boards together. This applies to trim work, rafter fabrication, moulding, and a host of other general woodworking and carpentry applications, including guttering.
Is a Miter Saw the Same as a Circular Saw?
Circular saws are handheld power saws and are used with a pushing motion to cut through boards and wood, whereas the miter saw is stationary, usually on a stand, and operates in a pulling down motion to cut the face of a board.
Miter saws are usually far more accurate, while being safer and easier to use than a circular saw. They are good for cutting long boards that are up to 12 inches wide. The circular saw is ideal for cutting anything wider, like sheets of plywood for example.
Are Miter Saws Safe?
Relatively speaking, when on the topic of power saws, the miter saw is probably the safest power saw on the planet for professional and home use. It has a host of features which are attributed to its reputation for being the safer saw.
Features like laser guides, depth stop, flip fences, sliding fences, non-slip grip, sturdy stands, and dust collection for respiratory health are some of the main safety components of the miter saw that most other saws don’t have.
However, just because it is the safest does not mean that it can’t cause serious injury. Improper use of a miter saw can cause loss of limbs and fingers, dangerous kickback, eye injury, lung damage, and loss of hearing.
Using good old-fashioned common sense and safety practices, and following the manufacturer’s safety guidelines, should keep you out of harms way and working on.
Now, with these basic questions answered and common topics considered, let’s get to work taking a closer look at The Best Miter Saws for Homeowners & Professionals in 2022!
Disclosure: This website uses affiliate links, meaning: at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate & CJ Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. We only feature products that we believe in and use ourselves. Your support means the world to us and allows us to host this website. Thank you!
The Best Miter Saws for Homeowners & Professionals in 2022
DEWALT DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Our top choice for both homeowners and professionals is the DEWALT DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw because it is the best quality miter saw you can buy short of spending 3X the price.
Quality for the professional, priced for the homeowner.
We have quite a bit of experience with this saw and it’s gadgets are perfectly placed for maximum handling and adjustment.
The DEWALT DWS779 Sliding Compound Miter Saw is designed with a powerful 15 Amp, 3800 RPM motor that delivers extended power and durability.
Tall sliding fences support 7-1/2-inch of crown nested and up to 2x14 dimensional lumbers at 90 degree and 2x10 at 45 degree. A cam lock miter handle with detent override delivers quick and accurate miter angles.
It has a super efficient dust collection system that captures over 75% of dust generated. This Miter saw also offers an exclusive back fence design which cuts up to 2x16 dimensional lumber at 90 degrees and 2x12 at 45 degrees.
Kit Includes:
Carbide Blade
Blade Wrench
Dust Bag
Vertical Material Clamp
FEATURES & SPECS:
Powerful 15 Amp 3,800 RPM motor delivers extended power and durability
Stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops
Precise miter system and machined base fence support
Precise miter system and machined base fence support Cam-lock miter handle with detent override delivers quick and accurate miter angles
Tall sliding fences support 6-3/4 in. base vertically
Bevels 0° - 48° left and right
2 in. x 14 in. dimensional lumber cross cut capacity at 90° and 2 in. x 10 in. dimensional lumber at 45°
Dual horizontal steel rails with innovative clamping mechanism and linear ball bearings for accuracy and durability
Efficient dust collection system captures over 75% of dust generated
Oversized, high visibility bevel scale with positive stops.
The Rugged Man top choice for the professional, the Festool Kapex KS 120 REB Sliding Compound Miter Saw is quite pricey, but you’ll never own another if you make the investment.
Like all Festool power tools, it was designed in Germany from the ground up with zero compromises.
This saw is perfect for those willing to pay for perfection.
The Festool Kapex KS 120 REB Sliding Compound Miter Saw incorporates laser precision with the cutting capacity of a 12" saw into a small and lightweight foot print.
Features unique only to the Festool Kapex KS 120 REB Sliding Compound Miter Saw allow the user to save on cleanup time, improve the quality of their finished product, cut setup times in half and make repeatability a breeze.
It is the most advanced sliding compound miter saw in the market today. In the hands of a carpenter, this saw will make cuts that rival the finest trim work being done today.
Engineered to be lightweight and compact, the Festool Kapex KS 120 REB Sliding Compound Miter Saw is the perfect saw for the workshop or the jobsite.
The Festool Kapex KS 120 REB Sliding Compound Miter Saw unique features include an ergonomic handle and trigger, a special cutting position that accommodates extra tall workpieces, and a counter-balanced blade assembly that holds its position when tipped sideways.
It has the ability to lock the blade height for slot cuts that don’t pass through the entire board and a direct-drive motor that adjusts its output as needed.
Effective dust extraction, precise cuts, easy adjustments, and quality components are some of the features that should make this saw the number one choice of professional tradesmen.
Kit Includes:
A 60-Tooth universal blade
MiterFast Angle Transfer Device
Hold down clamp
Wrench
FEATURES & SPECS:
The Kapex features a rail forward design which increases precision and creates a compact footprint while preventing head play for accurate cuts.
Easily align cuts from the left or right side using the dual lasers. The lasers clearly define the material which will be removed during the cut.
Micro-adjustable bevel angle with up-front rotary knob. Large bevel scale and fine pointers make it easy to set precise bevel angles.
Dust extraction up to 91% with behind the cut dust hood and pivoting 36 mm hose.
Unrivaled smoothness and accuracy of cut
47.0 pounds
13.3 amps
Blade: 10-1/4 in. (260 mm).
Bevel Capacity: Dual
Max Crosscut: 12 inch
Kicking us off on the cordless end of the miter saw spectrum, the DEWALT FLEXVOLT 120V MAX Miter Saw Kit offers flexible power options; corded for unlimited runtime or cordless for portability powered by brushless motor technology.
Cordless miter saws are a great choice for professional carpenters who need the ultimate in portability. Pros also need the best in power, cut quality, and cutting capacity, and the DEWALT FLEXVOLT 120V MAX Miter Saw Kit delivers on all counts.
The DEWALT FLEXVOLT 120V MAX Miter Saw Kit comes with two whopping, state-of-the-art, 60-volt batteries and fast-action charger, as well as an AC adapter that lets you plug in when both batteries are down.
Kit Includes:
2 FLEXVOLT 20V/60V MAX* Batteries
Dual Port Fast Charger
DCA120 120V MAX* Corded Power Supply
12 in. Blade
Blade Wrench
Dust Bag
FEATURES & SPECS
Flexible - power of corded. Freedom of cordless. The world's first battery that automatically changes voltage when you change tools
Runtime; Up to 289 Cross Cuts in 3-1/4" baseboard molding
Powerful 120V brushless motor provides longer runtime compared to brushed motors
CUTLINE blade positioning system; adjustment free cutline indicator
Portability - Compact design weighs only 56lbs.
Positive adjustments that hold their settings
Unmatched cutting capacity
Accuracy - CUTLINE™ blade positioning system and highly visible miter and bevel scales
The innovative Bosch GCM12SD Dual-Bevel Glide 12” Miter Saw features Bosch's patented Axial-Glide system, which delivers an unparalleled level of performance and a unique profile.
Traditional sliding compound miter saws enable users to make wider cross cuts, but they take more space and are prone to misalignment and stickiness over time.
By replacing the sliding rail system with a hinged or articulating glide arm system, Bosch created a more compact miter saw that delivers durable precision while remaining true and smooth over time.
The Bosch GCM12SD Dual-Bevel Glide 12” Miter Saw features a powerful 15 Amp, 3,800 RPM motor with a large, easy-to-read bevel and miter scale that allows for precise, quick and easy adjustments.
The Squarelock quick-release fences align 90° to table, require no adjustment and feature one-touch lock/unlock to slide fence to added support.
With an ergonomic soft-grip ambidextrous trigger handle and a clear lower guard for unobstructed visibility while cutting, this saw provides maximum comfort for all-day use without sacrificing precision.
Kit Includes:
(1) 12in. 60T blade
(1) Material clamp
(1) Dust bag
FEATURES & SPECS:
Axial-Glide system provides durable, consistent precision over tool's life, compact workspace (saves up to 12in.) and glide action for unmatched smoothness of cuts
Expanded cutting capacity: 14in. horizontal capacity (nominal); 6 1/2in. vertical capacity against the fence (base); 6 1/2in. crown capacity against the fence (45° spring)
All-metal bevel lock lever and range selector located upfront for quick and easy adjustments without reaching behind saw
Crown and chop system locks the head in place for maximum chop cutting capacity for upright base molding and nested crown molding
Large easy-to-read uniform bevel and stainless steel miter scales for precise, quick and easy adjustments: 52°left/60° right miter capacity; 47° left/47°right bevel capacity with marked detents and roof pitch angles
Squarelock quick-release fences aligns 90° to table, requires no adjustment and features one-touch lock/unlock to slide fence to added support
Adjustable miter detents at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, 45°, 60° right with super-accurate and durable design
Pushbutton miter detent override with easy-to-access thumb actuated control up front for fine miter angle adjustments
Bevel detents at 0°, 33.9°, 45° left/right for accurate cuts
Dust collection system
Ergonomic ambidextrous trigger handle with soft grip provides maximum comfort for all-day use
The Milwaukee 2739-21HD M18 FUEL 12” Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw Kit generates the power of 15 Amp corded saws and is designed for the professional carpenter, remodeler, and general contractor.
The miter saw is up to 15% lighter than competitor saws and delivers up to 330 cuts per charge.
It has the same capacity as corded a 12 inch miter saw, providing you with the ability to perform all of your critical applications while increasing your portability, efficiency, and productivity on the jobsite.
The Milwaukee 2739-21HD M18 FUEL 12” Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw Kit features the Powerstate brushless motor, Redlink Plus Tool Intelligence, and is powered by the M18 RedLithium batteries.
The saw has a Shadow Cut Line LED light, an adjustable stainless steel detent plate, a cam locking miter system, and easy carry side handles.
In addition to the saw, this kit includes one M18 REDLITHIUM High Output HD12.0 battery, an M18 & M12 Rapid Charger, handles and clamp.
Over 150 Tools, One Battery
Focused on improving productivity for professionals in the trades, MILWAUKEE offers more than 150 performance-driven solutions that are fully compatible with the M18 family, the fastest growing 18V cordless system on the market.
These tools stand alone, with patented technologies, innovative motors and advanced electronics powered by REDLITHIUM battery technology for unmatched run-time.
Performance-Driven M18 Technology
The MILWAUKEE® M18™ cordless system represents the ultimate synergy of professional grade power, light weight, extreme performance and superior ergonomics.
Powered by REDLITHIUM battery technology for unmatched run-time, and coupled with patented technologies, innovative motors and advanced electronics, M18 changes the game.
Kit Includes:
(1) 12in. miter saw blade
(1) M18 RedLithium High Output HD12 battery pack
(1) M18 & M12 multi-voltage charger
(1) Clamp
(1) Handle
FEATURES & SPECS:
Powerstate brushless motor generate the power and performance of a 15A corded miter saw
Redlink Plus Intelligence ensures optimal performance and provides overload protection to prevent damage to the tool and battery during heavy applications
Generates 15 Amp corded power
Up to 15% lighter than leading competitors
Up to 330 cuts per charge
Shadow cut line LED
Integrated handles
6 3/4in. vertical capacity (baseboard against the fence)
2in. x 14in. horizontal capacity
7 1/2in. nest crown capacity
“We don't value craftsmanship anymore! All we value is ruthless efficiency, and I say we deny our own humanity that way! Without appreciation for grace and beauty, there's no pleasure in creating things and no pleasure in having them! Our lives are made drearier, rather than richer! How can a person take pride in his work when skill and care are considered luxuries! We're not machines! We have a human need for craftsmanship!”
—Bill Watterson
Miter saws have become one of the most important tools for the professional these days and are a marvelous tool for the DIY homeowner as well.
As we have discussed, there is quite a wide range of quality and prices to choose from. We hope this article has helped you to understand which miter saw is best for your purposes.
On the topic of price, there are far more inexpensive options on the market these days. However, be careful with sacrificing quality over a lower price tag. In this industry you get what you pay for.
Assess your needs and see if you can afford to skimp on price for a little less quality if the work you are doing is not in the professional realm and structural integrity is not a factor.
Until next time, keep building, be well, and remain Rugged!
RELATED ARTICLES:
THE 7 BEST CORDLESS CIRCULAR SAWS OF 2022
13 POWER TOOLS EVERY MAN SHOULD OWN (AND KNOW HOW TO USE!)
THE 5 BEST DRILLS FOR HOME USE IN 2022
THE BEST WOODWORKING TOOLS FOR BEGINNERS IN 2022
THE BEST PALM SANDERS FOR WOODWORKING IN 2022
THE BEST RANDOM ORBITAL SANDER FOR WOODWORKING IN 2022
THE BEST PROFESSIONAL CHAINSAWS OF 2022
ABOUT
